A day in the life

Feb. 5, 2014

So what are you doing today? What’s on your agenda? So far, my day has involved shoveling snow, (yet again!), a somewhat slow and slippery drive to campus, a quick staff meeting, snapping the above photo out the window of my building and now I’m at my desk doing some writing. Later on I’ll probably go to the gym, shovel some more, take the dog out and hang out with my family. Eh, it’s not that exciting, but it is my day.

A year ago today, I was in Kigali, Rwanda with my coworkers covering a story about MSU research that’s helping the country grow better beans. Three years ago I was visiting my daughter at college in Glasgow, Scotland. Seven years ago I was recovering from having my first ICD put in. Fifteen years ago I was celebrating my three-month anniversary as an MSU employee. Twenty years ago I was dropping my toddler off at daycare and heading into work at a U.S. senator’s office. Twenty-nine years ago I was in the second month of my second semester as an MSU freshman.

When you’re a Spartan, you never know what the day might hold. If it’s this Friday you might be listening to President Obama when he visits campus to sign the Farm Bill. You might be in class or teaching a class. You might be treating patients in Zambia or maybe flying a jet off an aircraft carrier. You might be having a baby or celebrating your 75th birthday. You might be helping youth in Detroit or researching ways to cure disease.

You might be like students Michaelyn Lux and Irina Pushel and having a study abroad experience in New Zealand. Read their STUDENT VIEW: Adventures in New Zealand, to learn more about their journey.

If you’re a Spartan, you could be doing just about anything today and any day.

Last Nov. 6, MSU embarked on a special video documentary project, 360.24, that aimed to capture these Spartan moments all over the world. After collecting submitted video and photos from hundreds of Spartans on six continents in 18 time zones, we created a really cool documentary that shows the story of a single day in the lives of Spartans. Check out the special website to watch the show, view a photo gallery and learn a little bit more about some of the stories.

When we wake in the morning, we never truly know what the day will bring. But, as Spartans, we know the possibilities are endless.